Monday, June 25, 2007

Suwannee River Jubilee...In Photos

Finally I've had time to gather and sort through our pictures from the 20th Anniversary Celebration of the Suwannee River Jubilee. In the words of my good friend Alan Kendall, "What a time we had!" This years Suwannee saw 2000 people gather under the moss covered canopy of trees at the beautiful Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park. For those of you who were there, THANK YOU for supporting the SRJ and making this one the greatest ever! For those of you who were not there, make your plans now for next year!!! It's only going to get bigger and better! Folks are already reserving tickets and camping lots for the October edition and asking about next June!! In fact the dates for next June's Suwannee will be June 12-14, 2008. We are in the process of booking the talent for next summer so be watching for that announcement soon! Until then, I hope you enjoy the photos from this years Suwannee and I hope that it makes you want to return, or come and join our "Suwannee Family" for the first time!

The Florida Boys have been a part of the Suwannee River Jubilee from the very beginning. With the announcement of their retirement coming at the end of July it made for a very emotional time Thursday night. As usual, the Florida Boys were on top of their game and gave the Suwannee crowd exactly what they wanted; Pure, Classic, Florida Boys

This years Suwannee saw some changes in tickets and gate entrances. Thank you to everyone for helping us make some of these transitions as easy as possible. In the picture above you can see Stewart Varnado's mom, Janice(seated), and Randy Shelnut's wife, Paula, along with a couple of concert goers.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. In this case shall we say 2000 people!?! What a crowd!!

Singing News magazine editor, Danny Jones served as our emcee for the week and did an outstanding job. Above Danny is paying tribute to the Florida Boys rich history not only in Southern Gospel music as a whole, but as a part of the Suwannee River Jubilee. A very fitting tribute, thank you Danny! (L-R): Danny Jones, Les Beasley, Glen Allred, and Derrell Stewart.

The Suwannee River Jubilee crowd giving a rousing and emotional Thank You and Farewell to the legendary Florida Boys during their final performance at this great concert event.

The famous Chuck Wagon Gang took the stage for the first time. They were an instant crowd favorite. Be on the lookout for a possible return of "The Gang" to next years Suwannee! In the background are co-promoters of the Suwannee, Colbert and Joyce Croft. Each morning at the Suwannee Colbert and Joyce lead a chapel service and Joyce also organizes and forms the Suwannee River Jubilee Children's Choir which performs a couple of times on the main stage.

A favorite local group, Southern Joy, have become a Suwannee crowd favorite. Made up of Junior Combs and his children, Wesley and Jessica, they won the talent contest at last years Suwannee and went on to win the talent contest at The World's Largest All-Nite Singing at Bonifay, Florida as well as captured First place at the National Quartet Convention Talent Contest.

Another picture of the great crowd at the Suwannee River Jubilee. Be sure and make your plans now to attend next year!!

Here's a shot of the crowd from our perspective! Suwannee host group The Dixie Echoes.

Another stage view

The Dixie Echoes on stage providing that classic quartet sound to 2000 of their closest and best friends!

The Dixie Echoes have played host to the Suwannee since its inception in 1988 and are not going to let this great outdoor concert end anytime soon!!

This is what happens when you leave your camera unattended backstage. Simple entertainment, for simple minds...Ladies and Gentlemen I present to you, Michael Booth!

The Booth Brothers return to the Suwannee stage after an eight year absence. The crowd absolutely loved them. Let me just say a special thanks to the Booth Brothers. They rescheduled their vacation to be with us. Years ago when the Booths were just getting started and needed places to sing, Randy Shelnut always let them sing at the Suwannee and the Booth Brothers wanted to show their thanks to Randy and the Dixie Echoes. As far as we're concerned the Booth Brothers have a standing open invitation to the Suwannee River Jubilee!

Ronnie Booth, Jim Brady, and Michael Booth providing that signature Booth Brothers sound. The tightest harmony this side of heaven!

Here's a panoramic shot of the great crowd at this years Suwannee River Jubilee. Once again thank you to all of you who made this year's Suwannee the greatest ever! I hope everyone will return next and bring some friends!! Be sure and visit www.dixieechoes.com/suwannee.html for complete information about the upcoming Fall Jubilee which will take place October 4-6, 2007 and be watching for talent line-ups and information for the next Summer Jubilee which will take place June 12-14, 2008.

About

Music, especially song, is the most human of the arts. It needs no materials or tools other than the ear and the throat - along with mind and heart. When we sing alone, we are led out of ourselves into the world of song. When we sing together, we create community, a communion in soul. The group becomes more than the sum of its parts: it is creating beauty.
Alice Parker